Cagayan De Oro City is well known for its delicious and diverse gastronomy. For those who are looking to try the best of Cagayan De Oro’s food, here are the top 10 must-visit restaurants you definitely should not miss!
1. Cucina Higala
Cucina Higala is one of the best restaurants in Cagayan de Oro City. This well established restaurant has been serving up delicious food for over eight years, having formerly been known as “Thai Me Up”. If you’re ever wanted to try some amazing local cuisine from this part of the country, then head to Cucina Higala for an unforgettable dinner experience!
Cucina Higala is a restaurant located on Capistrano – Mabini Street in Cagayan de Oro. This restaurant offers both modern and heritage cuisines, with a focus on dishes native to Northern Mindanao.Cagayan’s signature dish sinuglaw, surol (a chicken soup in coconut milk), humba, and kare-kare are all recommended dishes.Cucina Higala was formerly known as “Thai Me Up” and has been established in the city for over eight years.
The Spanish term for kitchen is “Cucina”, while the Visayan term for friends is “Higala”. CDO is popularly referred to as “FoodCity”, which explains the restaurant’s name and atmosphere. Cucina Higala is designed to replicate a traditional colonial Filipino home, and the menu incorporates various regional dishes. Cagayan de Oro is known as the City of Golden Friendship.
Jan Uy, part-owner of Cucina Higala, has stated that the restaurant supports local producers and suppliers of Northern Mindanao. The restaurant sources fresh produce from local farmers and provides a space for artists to showcase their talent.
Cucina Higala is amongst the highly regarded restaurants in CDO. It has been awarded several times by TripAdvisor. It is recommended to do your own research instead of just relying on online reviews.
Address: 222 Capistrano StreetContact: 09177946118
Open: Daily, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
2. Circa 1850
Circa 1850 is an amazing restaurant located in Cagayan de Oro that promises healthy, flavorful meals created from locally sourced organic produce. It is the sister company of Sentro 1850, another beloved eatery in the area. The restaurant has a unique design, having been made from recycled timber and bricks in European style.
The food available at Circa 1850 is simply delicious and uses all natural ingredients for cooking. Their signature dishes include pasta with shrimp, shrimp scotch eggs salad, beefsteak tomato, and bistecca fiorentina. Customers are loving these comforting meals as they are served generously and come at an affordable price. With Circa 1850’s flavorful fare prepared with fresh, organic ingredients and its great atmosphere, food selections, it makes for a perfect dining experience every time customers come in!Circa 1850 surely has become a favorite hangout spot among the locals.If you’re on the hunt for one of the best restaurants in Cagayan de Oro City, look no further – Circa 1850 is definitely worth a visit!
The location of the Red Planet Hotel is on the ground floor of Claro M. Recto Avenue.
The contact number is (088) 852 1850
The operating hours are from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., daily.
3. Bigby’s Cafe and Restaurant
Bigby’s Café and Restaurant is a popular homegrown joint located in Cagayan. Bigby’s is a restaurant founded by three friends – Henrik-Yu, Joanna Lim-Yu and Catherine Genabe – designed to be suitable for families. The restaurant offers a combination of fine-dining and casual cuisine that caters to locals, tourists, and business travelers alike.
The menu features various international dishes from all corners of the world like Mexican, American, Italian and Asian cuisines. Must-try platter items include Food Trip Platter with its selection of appetizers, Belly Buster with baby back ribs, chops, and smoked pork belly; plus Fisherman’s Platter which includes different kinds of fish dishes topped off with squiggly rings and grilled shrimps. Bigby’s offers generous portions at mid-range prices making it great for family get togethers or group dining.
Bigby Cafe has been around for years and is one of the most well known restaurants in the area. The atmosphere inside is cozy yet upscale with tasteful decorations. It’s not an overly large place so tables tend to fill up quickly giving guests an intimate vibe for their meal. They also offer other special services such as catering when one desires to bring their amazing food outside the restaurant walls. The staff are friendly and attentive to each table creating a positive ambiance to enhance. Bigby’s is located in several malls in Cagayan.
4. Mesa
Mesa Filipino Moderne is one of the most popular restaurants in town offering a unique range of contemporary Filipino-excited meals. Not only is the food delicious but also quite visually pleasing, making it a great spot to share dishes and dine with friends or family.
The service here is top-notch and staff are always eager to assist. The portions are generous so there is enough plenty to share around amongst your dining companions. As long as you’re splurging with a crowd, Mesa makes for a great meal experience as well being a bit expensive when eating alone. Their menu ranges from classic comfort foods like Dinuguan to more experimental fusion dishes inspired by Southeast Asia. Give your taste buds an adventure in one seating with Mesa Filipino Moderne!
5. SENTRO 1850
Sentro 1850 is the perfect place to go with friends and family if you are looking for an amazing, delicious dining experience. Located right outside of Redtail, it offers exquisite, international fusion cuisine that blends Asian and Philippine flavors to create a unique and delicious menu. The restaurant has an amazing atmosphere as well – sleek and modern decor, relaxing background music, and top-notch service from friendly staff all make Sentro 1850 an enjoyable experience.
The food at Sentro 1850 really stands out with huge portions of almost every meal. On the menu you will find interesting dishes like Asado Macau Pork Belly, Eggplant Adobo and Roast Duck Tikoy. All these meals have their own creative twist but remain true to their origins and familiar flavors. Additionally, the more adventurous foodies can indulge in strange delicacies such as the Spicy Frog Soup or Sea Mantis Prawns which take the Filipino culinary experience to new levels. No matter what kind of meal you’re looking for, Sentro 1850 delivers on taste without breaking your budget!
6. Panagatan
Panagatan is a beloved seafood restaurant for Cagayan locals, famous for its grilled squid and fishes, steamed shrimps, and kinilaw. The original branch of Panagatan is located along the National Highway, about 20 minutes drive away from the city proper. It is open air and has great ocean views especially at night. There are also branches located in the main shopping malls such as SM Downtown and Ayala Centrio Mall. Perfect if you are looking to get an authentic taste without having to leave the city proper. Special bilao packages are also available if you are looking to feed a large group of people.
Panagatan knows how to make its customers satisfied with good food, awesome view and excellent price. Whether it be for a family gathering or just a simple dinner out, Panagatan will always definitely deliver quality Filipino seafood heaven experience! Nothing beats feasting on fresh seafood on top of beautiful sea view under starry night sky that reminds us why we love our home in Cagayan so much!
7. Boy Zugba
Boy Zugba is a local restaurant that offers an exciting array of Filipino street fare. The owners of Bigby’s conceptualized Boy Zugba to create dishes familiar to the local palate.
The vibrant atmosphere of Boy Zugba alone is worth a visit, featuring both a comic strip-adorned accent wall and hugot lines cleverly placed around the restaurant to uplift one’s mood. In terms of cuisine, it serves variety of ‘sugba; or grilled dishes popular to Filipino culture such as the chicken barbeque and Boodle Bundles, freshly cooked every day for groups. If you are looking for delicious Visayan Cuisine (Kusina Bisaya), then head over to Boy Zugba and get ready for a truly unique dining experience!
8. Dear Manok
Dear Manok is one of CDO’s oldest and most popular grilled chicken restaurants, having served many generations of Kagay-anons with its delicious food. Customers can choose from an array of dishes like the Group Feasts, Chicken and Rice, or Sizzling Sisig, Boneless Bangus, Sizzling Squid and Kinilaw. For larger events or occasions, Dear Manok also offers a function room for small to medium gatherings.
Located on the corner of Tiano Bros. and Akut Street, this establishment operates from Mondays to Sundays from 7:00 in the morning until 9:00 in the evening. If you want to visit this restaurant, finding it would not be a problem thanks to its easily accessible location. Furthermore, they are always willing to accommodate customers who wish to make reservations or inquiries over the phone; all you have to do is call (088)856-4914. With ample variety and reasonably priced fare on offer at Dear Manok, there’s no reason why you should miss out!
9. Tokyo Bubble Tea
Tokyo Bubble Tea is a great spot for those of us who are sick of so-called “Jap restos” that don’t quite fit the bill since it offers authentic Japanese fare. From their tea drinks to main dishes, everything they serve is sure to be delicious and very much on the traditional side. The concept of the restaurant is called a “famiresu” or “family restaurant”, so it’s perfect whether you’re dining alone, with your family, or a large group. Tokyo Bubble Tea also stands out from other Japanese restaurants in terms of price; you won’t be breaking the bank here! If you’re in the Ayala Centrio Mall area, head on over and give them a try!
10.Prawn House Restaurant
The Prawn House Restaurant is one of the best seafood restaurants in Cagayan de Oro City. The Prawn House Restaurant is a popular seafood experience located at Regatta Square of SM City Mall in Pueblo de Oro. As soon as you enter, you’re greeted with magnificent aquariums brimming with fresh marine resources that are open for selection. All the seafood is cooked according to your preferences, whether grilled, stewed, steamed or fried.
One of their most popular dishes is the Prawn Thermidore- succulent prawns covered in an indulgent white sauce and baked in a creamy cheese topping. But don’t miss out on their other delicacies such as kinilaw, tiger lobster sashimi and fried rice platters to go along! Not only do they have options for those who prefer hot and spicy servings but also healthy alternatives such as boiled shrimps and lightly seasoned poached fish. For those who live someplace else or can’t make a pilgrimage here, you can also try them out at one of their two branches at Ayala Centrio Mall or along National Highway at Opol.
Conclusion
Cagayan De Oro City is a paradise for food-lovers! It offers an abundance of delicious and diverse restaurants for everyone. Whether you’re interested in trying traditional Filipino dishes or something more adventurous like foreign cuisines from all over the world, there are plenty of options at an affordable cost. This city truly has something for everyone – no matter what your preference may be! From local flavors to international flair, it’s easy to find exactly what you’re looking for! With its amazing food choices and lively city life, Cagayan De Oro City is the perfect place to explore new foods and cultures while still remaining close to home.
